| Pantry | Fridge | Frezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 24 Months | 3-4 Years | - |
| Meal | 2-3 Weeks | 1-2 Years |
Shelf Life of Hemp:
Hemp seeds have a great shelf life, even when they are toasted and salted, they can last up to 14 months if unopened. If they are opened, their shelf life is reduced to 3-6 months. The key to a long shelf life is storing them in a cool dark place where no light or moisture can enter.
In the fridge, the hemp seeds can last more than a year while in the freezer, they can easily be stored indefinitely. If you want to freeze your hemp seeds
for an extended period, then keep them in a plastic bag and place in the freezer. When unsalted or untoasted, they can last even longer because salt tends to rancid the seeds early. Hemp seed derived oil is as preservable as the seeds and can last up to 9 months if remained unopened.
Purchasing Hemp:
When buying unpackaged hemp, care should be taken that there are no foul odors coming from it. Hemp is available in the form of hulled hemp (shelled) or toasted hemp with the outer shell. Removing the shell makes them more nutritious while keeping the shell makes it a popcorn-like snack.
Canada is best known for good edible hemp seeds because of strict regulations on the use of pesticides, while Chinese hemp seeds are considered to be the worst because of the lax regulations. You can buy hemp seeds in bulk because they can easily be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They will still stay fresh if stored properly.
Storing Hemp:
It is highly recommended to store opened or unopened hemp seeds in the refrigerator or the freezer. In addition to preserving the taste of the seeds, it preserves the nutritional content as well. If you have no room in your refrigerator, then it is recommended to store them in a cool, dark and dry place.
This will ensure no moisture, sunlight or heat can spoil them. The ideal temperature should be 15 C or 60 F. Long-term exposure to heat can also cause them to spoil, so placing them near objects that get heated frequently or in clear glass containers that trap heat is highly discouraged.
Handling Hemp:
Hemp, when stored in the freezer doesn’t form clumps, thus is easier to thaw and can be thawed quickly with high heat. After thawing it, ensure that it tastes and smells fine, otherwise discard it immediately. While using hemp seeds, keep them away from light and heat as much as possible. They will taste much fresher this way. You can hull your seeds after purchasing them by rupturing the seeds with a mallet and then pouring them into a bucket of water. Stirring the seeds will cause the shell to separate and float at the top.
Cooking Hemp:
Hemp can be used in a variety of options. You can toast them with honey and snack on them in the middle of the night, or you could pair them with fruit or toast. They make a great addition to protein or granola bars. They can also be baked into cakes or cookies. They are perfect for salad dressings, as they contribute to a rich creaminess. They can add the same creaminess to smoothies while giving them a nutritional boost. You can make hemp seed oil or milk from them as well.